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In The Morgan Messenger

​The Journal News

July 17, 2014 By Tricia Lynn Strader - Special to The Journal , Journal News ​ ​BERKELEY SPRINGS - Morgan County commissioners heard reports at their July 10 meeting from community groups seeking hotel/motel tax funds. Vicki Barnard of Court Appointed Special Advocates of the Eastern Panhandle addressed the commission, looking for $3,000 in funds. "I can tell you about the exciting things we have to look forward to because of help," Barnard said. "You have helped us defray a lot of costs. We recruit community volunteers from Jefferson, Berkeley and Morgan to work with the children." Since 2012, six advocate volunteers came forward from Morgan County. Two were unable to complete training but want to return at some point. She said there are currently the remaining four from Morgan County working with 21 children. Overall, there are 46 active volunteers in the Panhandle. She said the ideal situation, per the national CASA standards, is to match each volunteer with one child. Barnard said funds from the commission have enhanced what they've been able to do at CASA. As of July 10, she said, there are 38 new children in the system from Morgan County this year.